The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity, with headquarters at Sidmouth, in Devon, UK and operating directly or indirectly through partnerships and collaborations in 40 countries.

Over 50 million donkeys and mules exist in the world today. They work tirelessly to reach the donkeys most in need around the world, wherever they are; maintain the quality of care for the donkeys already in their care and champion donkeys and their welfare, pushing them up the agenda.

Their vision is a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

The Donkey Sanctaury was founded more than 45 years ago by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE. She dedicated her life to champion donkeys, and it is only through her amazing devotion that the Sanctuary grew to the international charity it is today. Sadly Dr Svendsen passed away in 2011 but her memory lives on in our work.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a registered charity and we rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts to fulfill their worldwide work with donkeys and mules. There are many ways you can help them, from re-homing donkeys and mules, making a donation or grant towards their work, reporting cruelty anywhere in the world, becoming a quality time volunteer or remembering the donkeys in your Will.